England rugby stars Jonny Wilkinson and Martin Johnson are set to be reunited on the pitch again - in aid of a former player struck down with a life-threatening brain tumour.

The pair are just two of the big names scheduled to appear in a match to raise funds for Soa Otuvaka, who played for the Newcastle Falcons before being forced to retire when doctors diagnosed his illness.

Since the 25-year-old was given the news last year just weeks after his wife gave birth to their youngest child, team mates and friends have worked tirelessly to help raise funds both for his treatment and for his family - wife Jenny, 27, and children Eric, 3, and Lily, 1. The climax of the fundraising will be a game between the Falcons and a Global Chiefs team next month, which is set to include some of the biggest names in both rugby union and rugby league.

If all goes well with his return from injury, Jonny will line up alongside his former captain Martin Johnson and full back Jason Robinson.

Jonny said: "Soa is a very good friend of mine so both I and rest of the team are obviously very upset.

"We want to do as much as we possibly can to help him and his family."